I've always wondered how in old movies, particularly westerns, people light up matches from just about anything, including clothes, walls, shoes, etc.

Does this have to do with skill, or is it the way the matches were made back then (easy to light). Is it possible to buy matches like those these days?

Thanks!

I guess I found my answers. For anyone else interested:

The original ones (aka non-safety matches or more known now as strike-anywhere matches) were known as Ohio Blue Tip matches. They are not made anymore. There are some strike anywhere matches sold these days (Diamond), but they don't light as easy as the vintage non-safety ones.

I'm showing my age, because I use to carry Ohio Blue Tip Matches, so I remember them well, and you are right, Diamonds' can't hold a candle to Ohio's.